This morning we will depart for a day trip to t. Andrews.

Visit St. Andrews Cathedral

The remains of what was Scotland’s largest and most magnificent church still show how impressive St Andrews Cathedral must have been in its prime. St Andrews Cathedral dominated the history of the medieval Church in Scotland, from its construction in the 12th century until the Protestant Reformation in 1560. As Scotland’s largest and most magnificent medieval church, the cathedral was the seat of the country’s leading bishops. It occupied a site used for worship since the 8th century AD, when the relics of St Andrew, Scotland’s patron saint, are said to have been brought here. The cathedral buildings are surrounded by a graveyard and encircled by the most complete and imposing monastic enclosure walls in Scotland.

Enjoy the picturesque town before visiting St. Andrews Castle

On a headland to the north of St Andrews stand the ruins of the city’s castle, the main residence of the bishops and archbishops of St Andrews – the focal point of the Church in Medieval Scotland. Today, a siege mine and counter-mine can be explored, and the ‘bottle dungeon’ viewed. St Andrews Castle was the official residence of Scotland’s leading bishop (and later archbishop) throughout the Middle Ages. Its scale demonstrated the power and wealth of the bishops, and it was the setting for many important events which determined the course of Scottish history. Some of the key moments leading up to the Scottish Reformation in 1560 were played out within its precinct.

Return back to Edinburgh.

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Edinburgh or area.

Hotel: Kimpton Charlotte Square (Deluxe)

Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh-The Caledonian or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: Divino Enoteca- Italian, Gluten Free Options, Vegetarian-Friendly
Address: 5 Merchant Street, Edinburgh EH1 2QD, Scotland

This morning departs Edinburgh and journey to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

En-route, visit the Holy Island

Cross the dramatic causeway to reach the island of Lindisfarne, on a journey that will stay in your memory forever. Follow in the footsteps of the ancient monks who built their priory here nearly 1,400 years ago and explore the wild coastal beauty of Holy Island. Visit the fascinating museum and find out about a grisly Viking raid, the cult of St Cuthbert, and the beautiful medieval manuscript: the Lindisfarne Gospels. Please note that we have included a cruise crossing to the Island.

Continue to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and check into your hotel.

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne or area.

Hotel: Malmaison Newcastle (Deluxe)

Jesmond Dene House or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: Saray Jesmond Turkish Grill House- International, European, British
Address:Dorchester House 46 Osborne Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 2AL, England

This morning departs for Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and journey to York.

En-route enjoy a stream train ride through the Moors

Experience the age of steam trains and see the beautiful area of the North York Moors National Park along your route. The Goathland Station is famously known as the Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film.

We will meet our coach in the Pickering Station to continue our journey to York.

Upon arrival in York, enjoy a walking tour within the city walls

Since its establishment as a city by the Romans in 71 AD York has played a pivotal role in the history of England and today showcases well-preserved remains that bring this history to life. Over the centuries York was a roman garrison town, Viking stronghold and prosperous medieval city and aspects of all this can still be seen today. Your York walking tour will walk along medieval city walls, visit the ruined 11^th century St. Mary’s Abbey and marvel at the exterior of the imposing gothic cathedral. An essential York experience is a walk through the city center’s maze of half-timbered houses that also almost touch across the narrow, fascinatingly-named lanes like The Shambles and Whip-ma-Whop-ma-Gate. You will hear stories of the city and the people of York who experienced plagues, sackings, genocides, an unsuccessful civil war, and the coming-and-goings of Roman, Viking, Norman and Scottish armies.

Check into your hotel. Hotel.

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in York or area.

Hotel: Hotel du VinYork (Deluxe)

The Grand York or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: Sotano Charcuterie & Bar- Bar, Mediterranean, European
Address: 1 Little Stonegate, York YO1 8AX, England

Today we will enjoy the day exploring York.

Visit York Minster

York Minster is a medieval masterpiece of stone and glass at the heart of the historic city of York. Records of this much-loved cathedral date back to the baptism of King Edwin of Northumbria in a wooden church on this site in the year 640. After several unfortunate events befell the original wooden and then stone structures on this site, the current gothic incarnation came into being around 800 years ago and was added to over the following centuries. The Minster is now the seat of the Archbishop of York, the Head of the Northern Province of the Church of England and second only to the Queen. As well as exploring the cathedral with a self-guided or guided tour, one can visit the Undercroft – a new interactive journey through the history of the Minster, from the Roman garrisons to the work of the present-day staff and volunteers. It is also possible to ascend the 275 steps of the Central Tower for stunning views of the city. Services and evensong take place daily.

Enjoy a cruise on the river

Admire the historic city away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take home fascinating facts about the incredible history of York, the flooding in city and its previous prosperity as an inland port which brought the Romans and the Vikings who created this wonderful city. Please note that we could include a refreshment drink like tea/coffee on this cruise, supplements will apply.

Before we retire for the evening, visit York Dungeon

Take a trip through to York’s darkest history with an unforgettable live experience of edgy entertainment at The York Dungeon. Ten live performances will tell you frighteningly funny encounters with some of the city’s most despicable and murderous rogues from Guy Fawkes to Dick Turpin – and not to forget the Vikings! Step into an appointment with the Plague Doctor, discover why The Golden Fleece is York’s most haunted pub and more hiding secrets within the city.

Return back to your hotel and enjoy a free evening. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel at your hotel in York or area.

Hotel: Hotel du VinYork (Deluxe)

The Grand York or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: The Star Inn the City- British, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options
Address: Lendal Engine House Museum Street | Lendal Engine House, York YO1 7DR, England

This morning we will depart from York and journey to Liverpool.

Upon arrival, get to know the city through a panoramic tour

Discover the World Heritage Site like the imposing 18th century town hall, and the extraordinary architecture in the city. Did you know that Liverpool has more Georgian era buildings than any other city outside of London?  See the famous Penny lane where the John, Paul, George and Ringo caught the inspiration for their 1967 Penny Lane song.

Visit the Beatles Story

Discover everything you will ever need to know about the world’s greatest ever rock band at the award-winning The Beatles Story in Liverpool’s Mersey-side Albert Dock. The Beatles met as teenagers in the maritime city of Liverpool before shooting to worldwide fame with hits like She Loves You and Love Me Do. This UNESCO City of Music has become intrinsically linked with the Fab Four and it’s only right that the world’s largest permanent Beatles exhibition is located on city’s iconic riverside. The Beatles Story explores the lives, careers and times of The Beatles right from their childhoods to world domination and beyond into their successful solo careers through fascinating exhibits and interactive themed areas. Take a ride on the Yellow Submarine, order a coffee at the Casbah Cafe and go behind the scenes at Abbey Studios for a unique Beatles experience.

Check into your hotel.

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Liverpool area.

Hotel: Radisson Blu (Deluxe)

The Shankly or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: Panoramic 34- French, European, British
Address: Unit 34.01 8 Brook Street | West Tower, Liverpool L3 9PH, England

Dining Option: Heritage Restaurant and Bar- European, British, Vegetarian-Friendly
Address: 40 Castle Street, Liverpool L2 7LA, England

Explore Florence on your own or request an

This morning we will journey to Birmingham.

En-route, visit the extraordinary town of Chester

The perfect way to start any visit to Chester, is to learn about the captivating 2000 years of history. Founded as a Roman fortress in the 1st century A.D and is one of the best-preserved walled cities in Britain. Chester has a number of medieval buildings with beautiful black and white Victorian structures.

Before lunch, enjoy a sheepdog demonstration

During the demonstration amidst some of the most beautiful scenery in Wales, you will see collie dogs working as a team manoeuvring sheep and ducks through various obstacles. Every dog has its own set of commands enabling visitors to see just how each of them responds to their individual whistles and each move by the dogs is explained by their handler. This truly is an experience not to be missed, giving people of all ages the chance to enjoy and participate in the traditional working day of a Shepherd and his dogs.

Before arriving into Birmingham, visit Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

The Llangollen Canal is an 11-mile sky stream and is known as the most intricate canal network of its time 200 years ago. Enjoy free time to walk across the aqueduct.

Check into your hotel in Birmingham.

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Birmingham or area.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency (Deluxe)

The Edgbaston or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: Adam’s- European, British, Vegetarian Friendly
Address: New Oxford House, 16 Waterloo St, Birmingham B2 5UG, United Kingdom

We will journey to Stratford-Upon-Avon for the day.

Visit Shakespeare’s Birthplace

In the charming town of Stratford-upon-Avon is a distinctive 16th century, half-timbered house where the great Bard William Shakespeare was born, grew up and lived with Anne Hathaway and his children for the first five years of their married life. Today the birthplace of William Shakespeare is a literary shrine to millions of pilgrims per year and gives visitors a glimpse into the life of Shakespeare through the artefacts and memorabilia of a number of exhibitions, one of which includes a copy of the only known portrait of the playwright. The house can be toured with an audio guide and there is also a shop, café and gardens.

Visit Anne Hathaway’s Cottage

The beautiful 500 -year-old cottage where Shakespeare courted his bride-to-be. See original furniture including the Hathaway bed and uncover five centuries of stories in this picturesque cottage and 13 generations of the family who lived there. Anne Hathaway’s Cottage is a twelve-roomed farmhouse where Anne Hathaway, the wife of William Shakespeare, lived as a child in the village of Shottery, Warwickshire, England, about 1 mile west of Stratford-upon-Avon.

Return back to Birmingham and enjoy a free evening. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in Birmingham or area.

Hotel: Hyatt Regency (Deluxe)

The Edgbaston or similar (Luxury)

This morning we will journey further south to Cardiff.

Visit the Lavender Farm

The Cotswolds area is a classic view of the English countryside. Their long association with the farming community has given the Cotswolds their name, ’cot’ meaning sheep enclosure and ’wold’ meaning hill. Lavender growing started here back in 1999 with just a few plants. The lavender has thrived here, and we have kept planting more every year. We now have over 40 different varieties, some 140 miles of rows and over 500,000 plants in total.

Visit Tintern Abbey

Near the village of Tintern in the Wye Valley in Wales lies the monastery ruin Tintern Abbey. It was founded in 1131 by the Cistercians and was the first monastery of its kind in Wales and the second oldest in the UK. However, it was dissolved again in 1536 and fell into disrepair. At the end of the 18th century it was rediscovered as a destination.

Continue to Cardiff and check into your hotel.

Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel on the Cardiff or area.

Hotel: Park Plaza Cardiff (Deluxe)

Cardiff Marriott Hotel or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: The Chapel 1877 Restaurant and Bar- Bar, European, British
Address: Churchill Way, Cardiff CF10 2WF, Wales

Explore Cardiff

A tour of the Welsh capital explores a city with a long and fascinating history but also a city reinventing itself for the future. Cardiff Castle towers over the historical center showing off an eclectic collection of architectural styles and Llandaff Cathedral marks one of the oldest Christian sites in Britain. Adjacent to the city center Bute Park is where historical buildings, urban woodland and the River Taff combine to create the city’s green heart. Down at the rejuvenated Cardiff Bay area, the old docklands and red-light district has been replaced with Europe’s largest waterfront development offering visitor attractions like the red-brick Norwegian Church, Doctor Who Experience and Welsh Millennium Centre cultural hub.

Visit Cardiff Castle

Cardiff Castle sits in a prime position overlooking the city center of Cardiff. Over 2000 years of history has seen Cardiff Castle act as a home and shelter to Roman soldiers, medieval knights, influential Victorian nobles and families taking refuge from the air raids during World War II. The castle as it stands now is a curious mix of styles as the Bute family employed the services of the unconventional architect William Burgess to add an eccentric Victorian twist to the original Medieval building. A visit to the castle includes the interpretive center with film presentation, castle apartments, Norman Keep and wartime shelters with an audio guide.

Enjoy your free evening before returning back to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel on the Cardiff or area.

Hotel: Park Plaza Cardiff (Deluxe)

Cardiff Marriott Hotel or similar (Luxury)

Dining Option: Laguna Kitchen & Bar- Bar, European, British
Address: Greyfriars Road | Park Plaza Cardiff, Cardiff CF10 3AL, Wales

Transfer to Cardiff Airport will be provided for your flight home.

Or take an extension to London for 3-nights (August 26th-August 29th)

LONDON EXTENSION:

Option 1: Visit Tower of London

On the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London stands the Tower of London and nearly 1000 years of history and intrigue. The Tower of London has been used at various times as a palace, barracks, military stronghold, zoo and most famously as a prison incarcerating famous names like Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes. During a visit to the Tower visitors can see crown jewels worth over œ20 billion, meet the ravens who legends say have the fate of the Kingdom in their claws, talk to the distinctive Yoeman guards with their white ruffs, and learn about the gruesome torture that went on within the walls. The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only intact medieval buildings on the list. At the Tower there are also cafes and a shop.

Supplement of $50.00 per person will apply for this option

OR

Option 2: Visit Stonehenge and Bath

A full day, leisurely paced tour with entry to Stonehenge and a visit to Georgian Bath, with plenty of time to explore this beautiful destination with an optional walking tour.

Stonehenge

Our first stop this morning is mysterious Stonehenge, as one of the first visitors of the day we will beat the queues with our fast track entrance tickets. The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was Stonehenge a temple for sun worship, a healing center, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.

Bath

A whole afternoon to discover Bath’s major sights; our tour will show you Pulteney Bridge and the Circus, and you will get a fascinating insight into how Bath became the world-class attraction it is today. Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions and you will be welcome to join a walking tour or explore the city at your own pace. Including in your tour price, you’ll visit the famous Roman Baths before you enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring this beautiful Georgian town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to see in this beautiful city. Return to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in London or area.

Supplement of $120.00 per person will apply for this option

Overnight at The Montcalm London Marble Arch Hotel or similar

Dining Option: The Clove Club- European, British, Vegetarian-Friendly
Address: Shoreditch Town Hall 380 Old Street | 380 Old Street, London EC1V 9LT, England

Option 1: Visit Tower of London

On the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London stands the Tower of London and nearly 1000 years of history and intrigue. The Tower of London has been used at various times as a palace, barracks, military stronghold, zoo and most famously as a prison incarcerating famous names like Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes. During a visit to the Tower visitors can see crown jewels worth over œ20 billion, meet the ravens who legends say have the fate of the Kingdom in their claws, talk to the distinctive Yoeman guards with their white ruffs, and learn about the gruesome torture that went on within the walls. The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only intact medieval buildings on the list. At the Tower there are also cafes and a shop.

Supplement of $50.00 per person will apply for this option

OR

Option 2: Visit Stonehenge and Bath

A full day, leisurely paced tour with entry to Stonehenge and a visit to Georgian Bath, with plenty of time to explore this beautiful destination with an optional walking tour.

Stonehenge

Our first stop this morning is mysterious Stonehenge, as one of the first visitors of the day we will beat the queues with our fast track entrance tickets. The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was Stonehenge a temple for sun worship, a healing center, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.

Bath

A whole afternoon to discover Bath’s major sights; our tour will show you Pulteney Bridge and the Circus, and you will get a fascinating insight into how Bath became the world-class attraction it is today. Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions and you will be welcome to join a walking tour or explore the city at your own pace. Including in your tour price, you’ll visit the famous Roman Baths before you enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring this beautiful Georgian town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to see in this beautiful city. Return to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in London or area.

Supplement of $120.00 per person will apply for this option

Overnight at The Montcalm London Marble Arch Hotel or similar

Dining Option: The Chiltern Firehouse
Address: 1 Chiltern Street, London W1U 7PA, England

Option 1: Visit Tower of London

On the banks of the River Thames in the heart of London stands the Tower of London and nearly 1000 years of history and intrigue. The Tower of London has been used at various times as a palace, barracks, military stronghold, zoo and most famously as a prison incarcerating famous names like Sir Walter Raleigh, Anne Boleyn and Guy Fawkes. During a visit to the Tower visitors can see crown jewels worth over œ20 billion, meet the ravens who legends say have the fate of the Kingdom in their claws, talk to the distinctive Yoeman guards with their white ruffs, and learn about the gruesome torture that went on within the walls. The Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the only intact medieval buildings on the list. At the Tower there are also cafes and a shop.

Supplement of $50.00 per person will apply for this option

OR

Option 2: Visit Stonehenge and Bath

A full day, leisurely paced tour with entry to Stonehenge and a visit to Georgian Bath, with plenty of time to explore this beautiful destination with an optional walking tour.

Stonehenge

Our first stop this morning is mysterious Stonehenge, as one of the first visitors of the day we will beat the queues with our fast track entrance tickets. The true meaning of this ancient, awe-inspiring creation has been lost in the mists of time. Was Stonehenge a temple for sun worship, a healing center, a burial site or perhaps a huge calendar? How did our ancestors manage to carry the mighty stones from so far away and then, using only the most primitive of tools, build this amazing structure? Surrounded by mystery, Stonehenge never fails to impress.

Bath

A whole afternoon to discover Bath’s major sights; our tour will show you Pulteney Bridge and the Circus, and you will get a fascinating insight into how Bath became the world-class attraction it is today. Bath offers a unique experience with stunning architecture, great shopping and iconic attractions and you will be welcome to join a walking tour or explore the city at your own pace. Including in your tour price, you’ll visit the famous Roman Baths before you enjoy the rest of the afternoon exploring this beautiful Georgian town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is so much to see in this beautiful city. Return to your hotel. Overnight, bed and breakfast at your hotel in London or area.

Supplement of $120.00 per person will apply for this option

Overnight at The Montcalm London Marble Arch Hotel or similar

If you joined us on our optional 3-night extension, then today you will head back to the US from your beautiful trip to the UK!